How often does Subaru recommend oil changes?
Official guidance and typical intervals
The following are the most common baselines you’ll see in Subaru’s maintenance literature. They depend on the oil type and how you drive.
- Normal driving with synthetic 0W-20 oil: every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Severe driving conditions (short trips, frequent idling, dusty or extreme temperatures, towing): every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Conventional oil (or mixed oil usage) or engines that require non-synthetic oil: every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
These intervals reflect Subaru’s general guidance, but exact figures can vary by model year and engine. Always verify with your owner’s manual and your local Subaru service advisor, especially if your vehicle has a Maintenance Minder system installed.
Maintenance Minder, model differences, and how to stay on schedule
Subaru vehicles often include a Maintenance Minder that gauges oil life and prompts service based on actual driving patterns. Intervals can therefore be adjusted in real time from the baseline numbers above, depending on how and where you drive.
Maintenance Minder basics
The oil-life monitor provides a percentage of remaining life and will alert you when an oil change is recommended. It factors in engine temperature, idle time, driving style, and ambient conditions to tailor the interval to your car.
- The dashboard oil-life indicator is the primary guide, but you should also reference the owner’s manual for official intervals by model/year.
- If the Minder shows low life or you notice changes in engine sound or performance, schedule service promptly even if the odometer hasn’t reached the standard mileage.
In short, follow the Minder in conjunction with the factory schedule to maintain optimal engine health.
Model-year and engine variations
While the baseline intervals cover most modern Subarus, some engines, newer transmissions, or special editions may have distinct recommendations. Always check the exact figures for your year and model in the owner’s manual or through an authorized Subaru service center.
Summary
Subaru’s oil-change cadence hinges on oil type, driving conditions, and the maintenance Minder system. For many recent models using synthetic 0W-20 oil under normal conditions, the standard interval is about 7,500 miles or 12 months. In severe conditions or when using conventional oil, intervals are shorter (roughly 3,750 miles/6 months or 3,000 miles/3 months, respectively). Always verify with the specific owner’s manual and rely on the Maintenance Minder in conjunction with manufacturer guidance to determine the correct service timing.
